Friday, January 27, 2012

The Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang came to Stuart for 3 days in January. This was a great opportunity to visit, explore and learn about these rare treasures of aviation history. The Nationwide Wings of Freedom Tour is in its 23rd year and visits an average of 110 cities in more than 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.

Manning the 50 cal. canon

The B-17 is one of only 10 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world. Nancy and I had a wonderful experience gainingaccess to the interiors of the B-17 & B-24 to witness the extremely "uncomfortable" conditions these brave crews endured with many making the ultimate sacrafice in the war effort. In addition to visitors having the experience of an up close visit to explore the aircraft inside and out, for a sizable fee you could actually take a 30 minute flight in the B-17 or the P-51, and many visitors were taking advantage of the opportunity.